Flamengo has claimed the Cariocão championship, turning its focus now to a busy season ahead. With aspirations to dominate various tournaments, including the Série A of the Campeonato Brasileiro, the Copa do Brasil, the Libertadores, and the Super Mundial de Clubes, the club is eager to maximize its potential.
In the middle of this celebration, however, the spotlight has shifted to Lucas Paquetá, a former Flamengo player currently facing severe scrutiny. On March 17, 2025, a trial began that could determine the future of the now-West Ham midfielder. He is being investigated for alleged involvement in match-fixing, an accusation that carries the possibility of a lifetime ban from soccer.
The allegations stem from claims made by the Football Association (FA), which asserts that Paquetá tried to influence games by intentionally seeking cards from referees, actions that could disrupt betting markets. “He sought to influence directly... these matches by attempting to intentionally receive a card from the referee, with the improper purpose of affecting the betting market,” the FA noted.
Reports indicate that Paquetá's future in football hangs in the balance as the investigation continues and he awaits the outcome of the trial, predicted to last up to three weeks.
In a related storyline, Brazil's Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (CPI) into Bets is also making waves with its investigation into match-fixing. Recently, Senator Romário (PL-RJ) presented a report that sharply called for the indictment of Bruno Tolentino, who is Paquetá's uncle. He has been implicated in suspect dealings involving match-fixing.
Romário's report claims that Tolentino benefited from the manipulation of game outcomes, particularly profiting from yellow cards received by players like Paquetá and his former teammate Luiz Henrique. The details surfaced during a CPI session on March 18, 2025, raising alarm over the integrity of Brazilian football.
The senator stated that Tolentino is one of several individuals being investigated, with the vote on the proposal to indict him set for March 19, 2025.
In February 2023, Tolentino allegedly deposited R$ 30,000 into the account of Luiz Henrique to ensure that he would receive a yellow card in a specific match, looking to manipulate betting odds. This illicit action not only casts doubt on numerous games from the past but also casts a shadow over Paquetá, who is linked to Tolentino's dealings.
Bruno Lopez, a witness in the case, has mentioned that both Paquetá and Luiz Henrique were involved in the manipulation during matches in March 2023, further stirring concerns in the football community. Romário's report is expected to generate significant political repercussions if the vote moves forward as planned.
Moreover, attempts to ensure stricter regulations against match-fixing have emerged from the CPI. Romário has previously suggested several new legislative measures aimed at combating fraud in the sport, highlighting the urgent need for reform.
The gravity of the situation surrounding both Paquetá and his uncle has led to heated discussions among fans, the media, and authorities, reflecting a broader concern for the integrity of sports in Brazil. While Flamengo revels in its Cariocão victory, the ongoing investigations and trials could heavily impact the team's former stars and the sport's future.
As the case unfolds, both the trial of Lucas Paquetá and the potential indictment of Bruno Tolentino continue to dominate sports headlines. For many, the actions and decisions resulting from this moment could set a significant precedent for Brazilian football moving forward.
